Winners and losers from FSU’s statement win over Virginia

Florida State entered Saturday needing something more convincing than simply another win. The Seminoles delivered it. After falling behind 7-0 and producing just 38 yards in the opening quarter, Florida State scored 38 unanswered points to rout Virginia 38-7 at Doak Campbell Stadium.

The victory improved FSU to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in ACC play. From Ashton Daniels' record-setting afternoon to a defensive front that overwhelmed Virginia, here are the biggest winners and losers from Saturday's win.

Daniels was responsible for all five of Florida State's touchdowns and made some history along the way. The FSU quarterback rushed 17 times for 136 yards and five touchdowns, setting the program's single-game record for rushing scores.

His biggest play came on an 81-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that blew the game open and extended Florida State's lead to 31-7. Daniels also threw for 183 yards, giving him 319 yards of total offense.

There wasn't much to criticize after the final three quarters, but Florida State's start certainly qualifies.

The Seminoles managed just 38 yards in the opening period while Virginia accumulated 101 and took a 7-0 lead. FSU opened the game with three consecutive punts before finally finding its footing with a 98-yard touchdown drive early in the second quarter.

There may not have been a more surprising development Saturday than what Florida State did to Virginia up front.

The Seminoles entered the game with seven sacks through four games. They finished Saturday with 10 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, with nine different defenders recording at least half a sack. FSU held Virginia to only 37 rushing yards and 205 total yards while limiting the Cavaliers to 2.8 yards per play.

It was an emphatic response from a defense that had struggled to consistently create pressure during the opening month.

Virginia entered Saturday with an experienced offensive line, yet Florida State made the group look overwhelmed for much of the afternoon. After scoring on its first possession, Virginia never reached the end zone again.

Quarterback Beau Pribula was sacked 10 times, and the Cavaliers finished with only 37 rushing yards when sacks were included. Virginia converted just 3 of 15 third downs and failed on all four of its fourth-down attempts.

Few people associated with Florida State needed Saturday's result more than Mike Norvell. Much of the conversation surrounding the Seminoles throughout the week centered on Norvell's future after a 2-2 start, with his job security becoming a national storyline entering a critical stretch of the schedule.

Instead of allowing that pressure to build, Norvell's team delivered its most complete performance of the season. Florida State didn't merely upset the Cavaliers; it overwhelmed them, scoring 38 unanswered points in a 31-point victory.

One win will not erase every question surrounding the program, but beating a favored Virginia team in convincing fashion was exactly the type of response Norvell needed with scrutiny surrounding his tenure.

Danzy continues to give Florida State an explosive element in the passing game.

The receiver led the Seminoles with 70 receiving yards and played an important role in helping the offense find its rhythm after the slow start. With Virginia forced to account for Daniels and the rushing attack, Danzy helped punish the Cavaliers when opportunities developed downfield.